Hurricanes, tropical storms and other severe weather events can pose immediate dangers to human health.
They can also cause massive displacement of people, worsened living conditions and increased risk of infections. Follow these tips for staying healthy during severe weather events:
- Floods increase the risk of contagious diseases, so don’t ignore signs of illness. If you can’t avoid floodwater, see a doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, an oozing wound or a bad cough.
- Crowded shelter conditions can increase the risk of infection. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially after using the restroom or changing diapers and before eating.
- Sewage systems may break down, contaminating floodwater, drinking water and water used for handwashing and other cleaning. Be sure to follow officials’ instructions regarding safe water use.
- Throw away food that may have come into contact with floodwater, stormwater or perishable food that has not been refrigerated properly during power outages.
- Rumors can be contagious, too. Don’t panic. Diseases such as cholera and typhoid are extremely rare in the United States.